Senator Overbey honored by MADD for his work to curtail drunk driving in Tennessee

NASHVILLE — State Senator Doug Overbey (R-Maryville) has been named “Legislator of the Year” by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). The group praised Overbey and eight other Tennessee lawmakers who shared the honors for their leadership in the General Assembly to stop drunk driving.

Overbey also received the top award from the group last year.

“I am honored to be recognized by such an outstanding organization,” said Senator Overbey. “Drunk driving is one of the biggest threats to public safety and we must remain vigilant to continue the progress we have made in our fight to prevent it. I commend MADD for its leadership on this critical issue and thank them for being a powerful ally of ours in the fight to deter drunk driving.”

The organization particularly thanked Overbey for his efforts in passing Senate Bill 35 prohibiting anyone convicted of, or who pleads guilty to, vehicular homicide by intoxication from being eligible for parole. The bill was sponsored by Representative Dale Carr (R-Sevierville) in the House of Representatives. Carr also received MADD’s 2016 Legislator of the Year award.

“This is a part of the continued effort by the state to make Tennessee’s drunk driving laws tougher and more appropriate,” added Senator Overbey. “The new law requires anyone who took a life while operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, to serve the full sentence given to them by the judge.”

“It has been a privilege to work with these dedicated legislators who have shown their commitment to preventing the completely preventable crime of drunk driving,” said Kate Ritchie, state program director of MADD Tennessee. “We count on our legislative champions to help us achieve our ultimate goal — No More Victims.”